Translation and Meaning of: 遅い - osoi

The Japanese word 遅い (おそい) is a common term that many students encounter early in their studies. Its primary meaning is "slow" or "late," but it carries interesting nuances that go beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore the everyday use of this word, its origin, writing in kanji, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. If you want to understand 遅い better and how to apply it in real-life situations, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 遅い

遅い is a Japanese adjective that can mean both "slow" and "late," depending on the context. When used to describe speed, as in 電車が遅い (the train is slow), it indicates delay or lack of agility. In sentences like 帰りが遅い (returning late), the meaning is temporal, referring to something that occurs after the expected time.

In Japanese culture, punctuality is highly valued, so calling someone 遅い may sound like a criticism. Jobs and social commitments require punctuality, and frequent lateness can be frowned upon. On the other hand, in informal contexts among friends, the word can be used more lightly, without so much negative weight.

Origin and writing of the kanji 遅

The kanji 遅 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) and 寺 (temple). This combination suggests the idea of "movement towards a temple," something that could historically be associated with a slow or prolonged journey. Despite this possible interpretation, the exact etymology is not entirely clear, but the movement radical reinforces the sense of delay or tardiness.

It is worth noting that 遅い can also be written in hiragana (おそい) when formality is not required, especially in informal texts or to facilitate reading. However, in documents or more serious situations, the kanji is preferred to avoid ambiguities.

Tips for memorizing and using 遅い

An effective way to memorize 遅い is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think of a slow clock (遅い時計) or a bus that never arrives on time (バスが遅い). Creating mental connections with practical examples helps to retain the meaning more easily.

Another useful tip is to observe the use of the word in animes and dramas, where it appears frequently. Characters complaining about delayed trains or parents scolding their children for waking up late are common scenes that reinforce the meaning of 遅い in everyday Japanese.

Curiosities about 遅い in Japanese culture

In Japan, being punctual is a matter of respect, so saying that someone is 遅い can be considered rude depending on the situation. In companies, for example, employees who frequently arrive late may be seen as lacking commitment. On the other hand, in more relaxed contexts, such as among friends, the word can be used without major consequences.

An interesting fact is that, in some regions of Japan, 遅い can be pronounced with slight variations in intonation, but the meaning remains the same. Additionally, in certain dialects, there are alternative words to express slowness or delay, but 遅い is still the most widely recognized and used form.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 遅延 (Chien) - Delay (general, used in contexts like transportation)
• 遅滞 (Chitai) - Delay or blockage (formal, often in legal or administrative contexts)
• 遅れる (Okureru) - Being late; to be delayed
• 遅らせる (Okuraseru) - To make someone or something delay; to cause a delay.
• 遅くする (Osokusu) - Make something slower or delayed
• 遅くなる (Osokunaru) - Become later; be late
• 遅くなった (Osokunatta) - It got delayed; it became late (past)
• 遅くなっている (Osokunatteiru) - It is delayed; it is getting late (present continuous)
• 遅くなりました (Osokunarimashita) - I was late; I delayed myself (polite form, past)
• 遅くなりそう (Osokunariso) - It seems that I will be late; I am likely to be late.
• 遅くなるかもしれない (Osokunaru kamoshirenai) - I may be late; it is possible that I will be delayed.
• 遅くなると思う (Osokunaru to omou) - I think I'm going to be late.
• 遅くなってごめんなさい (Osokunatte gomen nasai) - Sorry for being late.
• 遅くなってすみません (Osokunatte sumimasen) - I'm very sorry for being late.
• 遅くなってしまいました (Osokunatte shimaimashita) - I ended up being late (polite form, expressing regret)
• 遅くなってしまって申し訳ありません (Osokunatte shimatte moushiwake arimasen) - I apologize for being late (very formal expression)
• 遅くなってしまってすみません (Osokunatte shimatte sumimasen) - I'm very sorry for being late.
• 遅くなってしまってごめんなさい (Osokunatte shimatte gomen nasai) - Sorry for being late.
• 遅くなってしまって申し訳ございません (Osokunatte shimatte moushiwake gozaimasen) - I apologize for being late.

遅い

Romaji: osoi
Kana: おそい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: late; slow

Meaning in English: late;slow

Definition: Something that takes time or is slow.

Example Sentences - (遅い) osoi

See below some example sentences:

遅いですね。

Chikai desu ne

you're late

Is slow.

• 遅い - "slow" in Japanese
• です - "is" or "are" in Japanese, used to indicate a formal or polite statement
• ね - a closing particle in Japanese, used to indicate a rhetorical question or to seek confirmation from the listener

今更何を言っても遅い。

Imasara nani wo ittemo osoi

No matter what you say, it's too late.

• 今更 - now it's too late
• 何 - what
• を - object particle
• 言って - say, speak
• も - also
• 遅い - late, late

既に遅い。

Sudeni osoi

It's too late.

Already late.

• 既に - adverb meaning "already" or "now"
• 遅い - adjective meaning "late" or "tardy"